Trying to fight against sugar cravings?

Chia seeds provide many essential nutrients, including:

• Calcium
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Copper
• Iron
• Phosphorus

Chia seeds are also an incredible source of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to promote a lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio — a lower ratio is associated with reduced risks of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.

Nutrients Per Serving
A 1-ounce serving (28.35 grams) of chia seeds has:

• Calories: 138
• Protein: 4.7 grams
• Fat: 8.7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams
• Fiber: 9.8 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams

It’s true that fruit has sugar, but it’s not the same as the processed, refined sugar you get in most desserts. 

Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals. You won’t find a better nutritional source than fruits, which are packed with vitamins A, C and E, as well as magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid. (1)

Please note that the best fruit for your teeth’s good health is fruit that’s low in acidity like bananas, strawberries, melons or peaches. 

This easy baked dish with just a a couple apples, a little brown sugar or maple syrup and some cinnamon will make you a happy camper. 

Apples are rich in bioactive polyphenols and fiber. Evidence suggests that consumption of apples or their bioactive components is associated with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and other markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). (2)

The food industry produces many different types of chocolate: in recent years, dark chocolate, in particular, has gained great popularity. Interest in chocolate has grown, owing to its physiological and potential health effects, such as regulation of blood pressure, insulin levels, vascular functions, oxidation processes, prebiotic effects, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism.

Dark chocolate contains cocoa bean solids (up to 80% of the total weight) and cocoa butter. With the intense, persistent aroma of cocoa, it melts in the mouth, leaving a pleasant, bitter aftertaste. Its quality depends on the percentage of cocoa. Most of the health benefits attributable to chocolate are associated with consuming the dark type. (3)

Sour cream may make a cheesecake light and fluffy, but it does make it higher in fat and calories. 

You can still enjoy a delicious dessert in a much healthier manner by using non-fat greek yogurt as a substitute. It will still give it a light and creamy texture, with much less fat. 

Also, it is a great source of protein that can help you control your appetite and cravings. 

Coconut whipping cream is a light and fluffy alternative to traditional heavy whipping cream. It’s healthier than regular whipped cream and is naturally dairy free, paleo and vegan. Coconut cream is a great source of (4):

• Protein
•  Antioxidants
• Phosphorus
•  Magnesium
•  Folate
•  Choline

Coconut cream is also an excellent source of potassium. Studies show that potassium is critical for maintaining the health of every cell in your body. Getting enough potassium daily is connected to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, salt sensitivity, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Homemade lollipops offer the benefits of fruit without added sugar or artificial ingredients. 

All you’ll need to do to prepare this mouthwatering snack is blend any fruit with water or milk (you can also use yoghurt for a creamier texture). Pour the mixture into lollipop moulds and freeze overnight. 

When making at home, remember to opt for lower-acidity fruits — watermelon, strawberry and mango are great options. (5)

Nuts have natural unsaturated fats, so when eaten as part of a balanced diet, they can help lower your cholesterol by up to 20 percent, according to research. 

Research suggests that eating nuts may:

• Lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which play a major role in the buildup of deposits called plaques in your arteries
• Improve the health of the lining of your arteries
• Lower levels of inflammation linked to heart disease
• Reduce the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack and death

As a result, nuts can improve your heart health and lower your risk of dying early from heart disease and other causes. (6)

Nuts contain protein, fiber and other nutrients, too, like vitamins E and B6, making them a great alternative to the empty calories of candy. You can sweeten peanuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecans, walnuts and many others with honey, cinnamon or vanilla for a salty-sweet crisp treat.

I hope you’ll enjoy the options I have shared here with you!

Take care and have a sweet day!

Leonor